Here’s How to Keep Your Generator Always Ready and Running Smoothly

A generator can provide essential power for camping, jobsites, and for working on remote areas of your property. It can also function as critical backup system for your home in the event of a power outage. Regular care and maintenance will help ensure your generator delivers trouble-free starting when needed, and smooth-running performance for as long as needed.

Gas Generator Maintenance

Keeping your portable gas generator in top shape involves some basic steps to address the key components. Performing regular oil changes, maintaining a clean fuel line, and topping up the fuel level will have the machine ready to go on a moment’s notice. You should also always refer to your product manual for specific guidelines for your generator. Here’s a few general tips that apply to both gas-powered devices and dual-fuel generators that can run on gas or propane:

Change the engine oil in a new generator after 20 hours of operation and every 50-200 hours thereafter
Swap out spark plugs after every 200 hours of usage
Inspect and clean the air filter regularly to ensure a clean air/fuel mixture
Use a fuel stabilizer additive if the generator is idle for long periods
Test your portable generator by starting it once a month and trouble-shoot any issues
Clean the generator spark arrestor according to the product manual
Keep replacement parts on hand and routinely inspect your generator for loose fittings and damaged or corroded parts

Inverter Generator Maintenance

Inverter generators offer a safe, energy-efficient power backup for delicate electronics such as smartphones, TVs, laptop computers, and AC units. These items require a ‘cleaner’ power source to prevent damage during operation. An inverter generator converts the initial AC electric current into a DC current, then ‘inverts’ it back to a cleaner AC current that is safe for sensitive devices. Inverter generators are also quieter, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than regular portable generators. This makes them ideal for use as an RV battery. In addition to the tips below, be sure to follow the generator maintenance timelines in your owners’ manual to maximize the benefits of your unit:

Perform all prescribed maintenance on-schedule to ensure quiet performance, a key benefit of inverter generators
Change the oil as per your manual to maintain the high fuel-efficiency of your inverter generator
Inspect the air filter every time before operating and clean or replace it as necessary for optimal performance
Check your manual for fuel directions as draining and replacing the fuel after each use is recommended for some models
Inspect and clean spark plugs about once a month depending on use and replace them once a year or after every 200 hours of usage

Stand-By Generator Maintenance

A stand-by or backup generator provides instant power replacement to your home if the public power grid fails. These types of whole house generators may sit idle for months or more, so regular testing and servicing are essential to ensure the unit performs as expected in an emergency. Be sure to schedule an annual check-up by a qualified technician and always consult your home generator product manual before tackling basic upkeep tasks:

Change the air filter once a year for maximum efficiency and clean air flow
Change the spark plugs at the recommended intervals or hours of use
Open the unit and visually inspect the interior for loose debris that could impair performance
Wipe down the outside of the generator to remove surface dust
Use an air compressor to keep the exhaust vents clear of spider webs and obstructions
Run the generator for a few minutes and note any hesitation or unusual sounds that beg further investigation
Check the oil level after each use and change the oil and filter when necessary, based on the manufacturer’s guidelines

Fuel Source Care and Maintenance

Keep an adequate, backup fuel supply on hand as gas stations and propane depots may be closed during a power outage. Keep enough full gas tanks or propane cylinders on hand to keep your portable power station running for at least a few days. Permanent backup generators typically run on natural gas, liquid propane, or diesel fuel, and in some cases all three. A backup natural gas generator may be served by underground gas lines buried during the installation process, ensuring a steady flow. Diesel and propane models may rely on auxiliary tanks. Be sure to store any fuel far from your house and away from outdoor flammable materials. Keep your workshop stocked with fuel stabilizers, carburetor cleaners and any other fluids or components specific to your machine.

Parts & Accessories to Enhance Generator Performance

A power failure is not the time to be dusting off a seldom-used, portable generator. Use a generator cover to keep your device clean and dry when it’s not in use. Here’s a quick list of parts and accessories to consider having on hand for maintenance or to boost performance. Your product manual will tell you which generator parts should be replaced by a service professional:

An extension cord with multiple outlets to connect more appliances to a single line on a portable generator
An inverter generator parallel kit so you can connect multiple generators of the same make and model to multiply your power supply
A separate generator panel to give you a permanent connection to your portable power source for quick manual start-ups during an outage
A power transfer switch for automatic connection and seamless transition from your stand by generator to your electrical panel

Your generator can help keep your home and family safe during an emergency power outage. Whether you have a single portable generator or a full house generator backup system, regular maintenance is essential for on-demand, long-lasting performance.

Here’s How to Keep Your Generator Always Ready and Running Smoothly

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